Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Richey.
Hi Karla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am Karla Chavez Richey, founder and publisher of Miami Kids Magazine. I was inspired to create the magazine when I was pregnant and searching for resources and support while most of my family and friends were back in Peru. Wanting to create a support system for parents like myself, I began developing Miami Kids Magazine. What started as a publication has grown into a trusted resource and vibrant community for families striving to provide the very best for their children.
This month, I am especially grateful as Miami Kids Magazine celebrates its 10th anniversary. Reaching this milestone is incredibly meaningful because it represents a decade of connecting families, sharing resources, supporting local organizations, and building a stronger, more inclusive community for children throughout South Florida.
Beyond publishing the magazine, I am passionate about serving our community. I develop marketing strategies, coordinate family-focused events, and maintain an active online presence to ensure that families have access to valuable information and opportunities. I am proud to be a member of the Rotary Club of Miami and to serve on the boards of several nonprofit organizations. Over the years, I have had the privilege of supporting organizations that serve children with disabilities, children battling cancer, and families facing financial hardship through organizations such as Branches, the Jackson Health Foundation, the Lighthouse for the Blind, and many others.
One of the values closest to my heart is inclusion. Every child deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and accepted for who they are. That belief inspired our recent community mural created in partnership with the City of Miami District 4. The mural’s message, “You Belong Here,” reflects the vision that has guided Miami Kids Magazine for the past 10 years. It is a celebration of diversity, acceptance, and the idea that every child and every family deserves a place where they feel seen, respected, and included.
While I am proud of everything Miami Kids Magazine has accomplished, my greatest pride is being a mother. Watching my two children grow into kind, compassionate individuals who care about others has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Seeing them live out the values of empathy, respect, and service reminds me every day why the work we do is so important. They inspire me to continue creating a community where all children feel valued and empowered to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
As parents, educators, and community members, we have an important responsibility to teach the next generation what truly matters: kindness, empathy, respect, and inclusion. By showing our children that everyone belongs, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances, we help create a stronger and more compassionate future for all. Through Miami Kids Magazine, I remain committed to sharing that message and continuing to build a community where every family knows they belong.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many working mothers, one of my biggest challenges has been finding balance between being a mom, a wife, and a business owner. Building Miami Kids Magazine over the last 10 years has been an incredible journey, but it would not have been possible without the support of my family.
I have been blessed to have my mother by my side every step of the way. Her unconditional love, guidance, and active involvement in helping care for my children have allowed me to pursue my dreams while knowing my family is surrounded by love and support. Parents are truly the foundation of who we become, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have grown up with both of my parents present in my life, teaching me the values of kindness, hard work, compassion, and family. The love and examples they provided during my childhood continue to guide me today.
I am also deeply grateful for my husband, whose support has been essential throughout this journey. He understands the demands of my work and has always encouraged me to pursue my goals and dreams. Having a partner who believes in me and stands beside me through the challenges has made all the difference.
While I am proud of what Miami Kids Magazine has become, my greatest accomplishment will always be my family. Watching my two children grow into caring, compassionate individuals who value helping others fills me with immense pride. They are my greatest joy and my daily reminder of why creating a more inclusive, supportive, and welcoming community matters so much. Everything we do at Miami Kids Magazine is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel loved, valued, and included—because every child should know that they belong here.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Miami Kids Magazine?
Miami Kids Magazine was created to be much more than a printed magazine. It was born from my love for my children and my desire to bring families, businesses, and communities together. The inspiration started while I was pregnant, dreaming about creating something meaningful that would support parents and help families feel connected, informed, and empowered.
Today, Miami Kids Magazine is a multimedia platform that reaches families through our print publication, website, newsletters, social media channels, mobile app, and community events. Our mission has always been to serve as a trusted resource for parents while creating opportunities for local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and organizations to connect with the families they serve.
What makes our organization special is our commitment to social responsibility. Beyond sharing information and promoting family-friendly activities, we are here to support families facing challenges. Whether it’s parents raising children with special needs, families experiencing health issues, financial hardships, or difficult life circumstances, we want them to know they are not alone. We believe community matters, and we strive to be a source of support, encouragement, and connection.
On a personal level, I am known for my strong marketing background, my passion for helping others grow, and the values that guide everything I do. I am blessed to come from a family that gave me love, faith, and strong principles. Those values have shaped both who I am and how I lead my business.
What sets me apart is that I simply try to be a better person every day. I believe there is something to learn from every experience, every conversation, every challenge, and every success. Like everyone, I have made mistakes, but I believe mistakes are opportunities to learn, grow, and continue moving forward with strength and purpose.
The thing I am most proud of is that Miami Kids Magazine has remained true to its mission. We have built a brand that is centered on families, community, and service. Success is not only measured by growth or reach, but by the positive impact we can make in the lives of parents and children.
Above all else, my family comes first. My children inspire me every day and remind me why this work matters. I believe in leading by example, showing kindness, resilience, faith, and integrity in both my personal and professional life.
I want readers to know that Miami Kids Magazine is more than a media company. We are a community partner. We are here to celebrate families, support parents, connect resources, and help make a difference. Our doors and hearts are always open to those who need us, and we will continue working every day to build stronger, more connected communities for future generations.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I love this question because success, whether in life or in business, is never about one person. I may be the one with the vision and the ideas, but it takes many people, relationships, and blessings to turn those ideas into reality.
First and foremost, I thank God, who has guided me through every step of this journey. Through the successes, challenges, and lessons along the way, my faith has always been my foundation.
I am especially grateful to my mother, who helped shape the woman, mother, and business owner I am today. She taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, faith, compassion, and always putting family first. The values she instilled in me continue to guide both my personal life and my business decisions every day.
I am also deeply thankful for my family. Their love, encouragement, and support have been invaluable throughout this journey. My children, in particular, are my greatest inspiration. They remind me daily why I do what I do and motivate me to lead by example, both as a mother and as a business owner.
I have also been fortunate to build an extraordinary team. Every team member has contributed to the growth of Miami Kids Magazine, and I truly value that they share many of the same core values that I do. Talent and skills are important, but shared values, integrity, and a common purpose are what create a strong culture and lasting success. You can have very talented people around you, but if they don’t believe in the mission or see the vision, it becomes difficult to grow together. I am grateful to work alongside people who genuinely care about the families and communities we serve.
I also want to recognize our clients. Many have been with us for over ten years, others for five years and beyond, and many new businesses continue to place their trust in us every day. Their loyalty means more than I can express. As a business owner, I understand how challenging it can be to build and sustain a business. The fact that so many clients have continued to choose us year after year is something I never take for granted. Their trust is not only important professionally—it means a great deal to me personally.
Finally, I am grateful for the countless community partners, educators, nonprofit leaders, parents, and friends who have supported Miami Kids Magazine throughout the years. Every conversation, collaboration, and relationship has helped shape who we are today.
At the end of the day, no one succeeds alone. I am proud of what we have built, but I am even more grateful for the people who have believed in me, supported our mission, and helped transform an idea into a platform that serves families, strengthens communities, and makes a positive difference in people’s lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://miamikidsmagazine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamikidsmagazine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamikidsmagazine/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@miamikidsmagazine57
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@miamikidsmagazine
